Q. Physical geography has a close relationship with Asia’s population distribution. Discuss some examples where such a relation does not hold good.
13,Sep 2024
Posted By : SPM Academy
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Physical geography generally plays a significant role in shaping the population distribution across Asia, as factors like climate, topography, and water availability often dictate where people can live and thrive. However, there are notable exceptions where population distribution does not align neatly with the physical geography, influenced instead by historical, economic, political, and cultural factors. Some examples where this relationship does not hold good include:
1. Urbanization and Megacities in Unfavorable Physical Environments
Dubai, UAE: Located in the arid desert region of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai has become a highly populated and developed megacity despite its harsh desert climate and lack of natural water resources. Its population boom is driven by economic factors such as trade, tourism, and real estate rather than physical geography.
Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo, situated on the Kanto Plain, is prone to earthquakes and other natural disasters due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Despite this, it has become one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world, driven by its role as Japan’s economic and political center.
2. Population Concentration in High Altitudes
Tibet Plateau, China: The Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as “the roof of the world,” is one of the most inhospitable environments due to its high altitude, extreme cold, and thin air. However, it has a significant population of ethnic Tibetans and other groups who have historically adapted to the harsh environment, largely due to cultural and historical factors rather than physical geography favoring habitation.
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: The Kathmandu Valley is a densely populated region located at a relatively high altitude (around 1,400 meters). Despite its susceptibility to earthquakes, the valley’s fertile land and historical significance as a trade and cultural hub have attracted large populations.
3. Dense Populations in Low-Resource or Hazard-Prone Areas
Dhaka, Bangladesh: Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities globally, despite being located in a flood-prone area near the confluence of major rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra. The city’s population density is driven by economic opportunities rather than favorable physical geography, leading to significant challenges in managing floods and other natural disasters.
Jakarta, Indonesia: Jakarta is highly populated despite being prone to flooding, earthquakes, and rising sea levels. The city’s growth is more closely tied to its role as the economic and political capital of Indonesia than to its physical environment, which poses numerous risks to its inhabitants.
4. Sparse Populations in Fertile Regions
Mongolian Steppe: The Mongolian Steppe is a vast, fertile grassland that could support a larger population through agriculture and animal husbandry. However, the population remains sparse due to a nomadic lifestyle, cultural preferences, and historical factors, rather than the land’s physical capacity to support a larger population.
Western China (Xinjiang): Western China, particularly Xinjiang, has vast areas of arable land in the form of oases, yet population densities are low compared to the more arid but more densely populated eastern regions. Historical, political, and cultural reasons, including government policies and ethnic tensions, have influenced this distribution.
5. Desert Regions with Significant Populations
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is located in the heart of the Arabian Desert. Despite the extreme desert conditions, it has grown into a major urban center due to its status as the political and administrative capital, supported by oil wealth and modern infrastructure rather than favorable physical geography.
These examples illustrate that while physical geography is a fundamental determinant of population distribution, it is not the sole factor. Human ingenuity, economic opportunities, historical circumstances, and political decisions can lead to significant population concentrations even in areas where the physical environment is seemingly unfavorable. Understanding these exceptions highlights the complex interplay between physical geography and human activities in shaping population patterns in Asia.
